Metro's Thanksgiving service to airports

By
Robert Thomson

Metro provides transit service to the D.C. region's three airports, but has no specific plans to boost that service for the Thanksgiving getaway and return. Instead, Metro officials say they will monitor the number of people using the trains and the B30 and 5A airport buses, and add service if needed.

Wednesday
On the big getaway day, travelers can use the Yellow and Blue lines to reach Reagan National Airport. If your destination is BWI Marshall Airport, take the Green Line to Greenbelt Station and board the B30 bus. The one-way fare is now $6. (Note that MARC and Amtrak trains from Union Station stop at the BWI Airport Station, where you can board a free shuttle to the airport terminal.)

Those heading for Dulles International Airport can take an Orange Line train to the West Falls Church Station and board a Washington Flyer bus to the airport terminal. Or they can take the 5A Metrobus from L'Enfant Plaza or Rosslyn stations. The bus fare is $6.

Thanksgiving Day
On Thursday, Metrorail will operate on a Sunday schedule, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at midnight. All trains will be six-cars long. The B30 and 5A will operate on a Sunday schedule. Parking at Metro lots and garages is free on the holiday. Off-peak fares are in effect all day.

Friday
On what shoppers call Black Friday, Metrorail will operate on a regular weekday schedule from 5 a.m. to 3 a.m. with six-car trains. Peak fares will be charged and regular weekday parking rates will apply.

Saturday
Metro will operate its regular Saturday schedule, with the rail system opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 3 a.m. Parking at lots and garages is free.

Sunday
The plan for the big return day calls for operating a regular Sunday schedule, with Metro opening at 7 a.m. and closing at midnight. Parking will be free. Metro says it will monitor conditions on the rail lines and buses that serve the airports and add service as needed.

This article describes only MetroRAIL holiday service. Please include MetroBUS holiday service, too, and not just the airport shuttlebuses. Some of us rely on buses to get around, and it would be helpful to know what schedule they are on. I could not find this information on wmata's website, either.

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